Stewart talk for members

WI president Mrs Barbara Ball holds the cup for winning the most points in the Monthly Completions in 2015.

Published:11:00Saturday 30 January 2016

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At the January meeting of Pocklington WI members enjoyed a very interesting talk by Mr Peter Rogers on the life of Mr Herbert Stewart who was an academic and tutor to the children of the Romanov family in Russia.

Mr Stewart was the elder brother of Major Percy Stewart the owner of Burnby Gardens, Pocklington.

The six children were the sons of the Grand Duke Alexander Michaelovitch brother-in-law to Tsar Nicholas II.

He was born in 1866 and was related to the Churchill family and the Earls of Galloway. He lived as part of the Romanov family in Petrograd and the Crimea.

The intimate family photographs that Mr Rogers was able to show recorded family picnics, fishing, swimming, and other activities they were able to enjoy.

It was hard to realise that these carefree activities only lasted a few years before they were ended by the Russian Revolution. He left Russia at the end of 1917 and died some forty years later.

The usual WI business was dealt with and members encouraged to join in the various activities which can be enjoyed throughout this year.

These include coffee mornings, a special lunch at Skipsea to honour the Queen’s birthday, and three walks followed by lunch on Sunday 10 April.

The winner of the competition for a travel-related souvenir was won by Connie Coupland, followed by Jan Mitchell and Margaret Rust.

The next meeting is on 10 February at 7.15pm in the Masonic Hall when the Speaker will be Nikki from Langland’s giving Garden Advice. Visitors are always welcome at meetings so do come along and you will be sure of a welcome.